BITS Pilani JRF RA-I Recruitment 2026: Apply by Oct

Introduction

The Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani has announced a recruitment drive for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate-I (RA-I) positions. This opportunity is for a research project sponsored by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). A total of nine vacancies are available across BITS Pilani's Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses. The project duration is for two years as JRF, with a possibility of extension to SRF for a third year based on performance, or three years as RA-I. Interested candidates can apply online. The last date to submit applications is October 15, 2026. Detailed eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and age limits, are provided in the official notification. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification for complete details before applying.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of 09 vacancies are available for the posts of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate-I (RA-I).

• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): 07 Posts
• Research Associate-I (RA-I): 02 Posts

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates must meet the specific educational qualifications for each post:

• Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Computer Science/Engineering (6 Posts): First-class M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent in CSE / CS / AI / Data Science / IT / Quantum Computing or allied disciplines. Candidates must also satisfy DST JRF eligibility through NET/GATE or the prescribed national-level selection process.
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Physics (1 Post): M.Sc./M.S. or equivalent in Physics / Applied Physics / Quantum Science & Technology / Mathematical Physics or allied disciplines. Candidates must also satisfy DST JRF eligibility through NET/GATE or the prescribed national-level selection process as per DST norms.
• Research Associate-I (RA-I) (2 Posts): Ph.D./equivalent in Computer Science/Engineering or allied disciplines. Alternatively, M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent with three years of research/teaching/design & development experience after the postgraduate degree and at least one SCI-indexed research paper, as per DST norms.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The upper age limit for candidates will be as per applicable DST / Government of India norms. Specific relaxations will also be in accordance with these norms.

Application Fee

The application fee details are not specified in the supplied notification.

Salary and Stipend

Selected candidates will receive the following monthly stipends:

• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 37,000/- per month
• Research Associate-I (RA-I): Rs. 58,000/- per month
• Senior Research Fellow (SRF) (after performance evaluation): Rs. 42,000/- per month

Selected JRF candidates may be permitted to register for the PhD program of BITS Pilani, subject to institute norms.

Selection Process

Candidates will be shortlisted based on their merit, relevant experience, and the project requirements. Shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview, which may be conducted either online or offline. Only qualified and suitable candidates will be called for the interview.

Application Procedure

Interested and motivated candidates should apply online through the official BITS Pilani website. Applicants need to select their preferred campus and the specific position (JRF / RA-I) in the application form.

1. Visit the official BITS Pilani website.
2. Locate and access the online application form for this recruitment.
3. Select your preferred campus (Pilani, Goa, or Hyderabad).
4. Choose the position you wish to apply for (JRF or RA-I).
5. Fill in all the required details accurately in the application form.
6. Submit the application before the deadline.

Required Documents

The required documents for the application are not specified in the supplied notification.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. A common mistake is not carefully reading the specific educational qualifications for each JRF category (Computer Science/Engineering vs. Physics) or the alternative experience requirements for the RA-I position. Ensure that your qualifications align precisely with the requirements mentioned for the post you are applying for. Also, verify that you meet the DST JRF eligibility criteria if applying for a JRF position. The application deadline is strict, so avoid last-minute submissions to prevent technical issues.

Official Notification and Application Links

For detailed information and to apply, please refer to the following links:

• Official Notification PDF: Download Notification
• Official Website: BITS Pilani

Relevant FAQs

Q1: What are the posts available in this recruitment?
A1: The available posts are Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate-I (RA-I).

Q2: What is the last date to apply?
A2: The last date to apply is 15 October 2026.

Q3: Where can I find the official notification?
A3: The official notification PDF link is provided in the article.

Q4: Is there an age limit for these positions?
A4: The upper age limit is as per applicable DST / Government of India norms.

Q5: How is the selection made?
A5: Selection is based on shortlisting through merit and experience, followed by an interview.